Q9400 or Q9550?

[toyota]

I think I have decided just to bite the bullet and build my own pc. I know after using a quad core that it is what I want. is the Q9550 worth the extra $50 over the Q9400? I know it has the 8.5 instead of the 8 x multiplier and it also has twice the cache. I will likely only do a mild overclock if at all so the better multiplier would be nice. Im already pushing the limits of my budget with the Q9400 in my build so what is the consensus?

 

[akugami]

What will the computer be used for? That will determine if the extra cache will be worth it to you.

 

[toyota]

Originally posted by: akugami
What will the computer be used for? That will determine if the extra cache will be worth it to you.

just general use and lots of gaming.

 

[Tempered81]

Q9550, you'll like the cache + 1/2 multi!

 

[JAG87]

There is nothing better then more cash... *ahem* cache. Especially on a quad, it makes a huge difference.

 

[dguy6789]

I'm not too sure the difference is huge, but I like my Q9550

 

[dbcooper1]

Particularly for gaming; one of the places where it really helps. With that and the additional .5 multipler since you're overclocking, if you don't, you'll wish you had as soon as you reach the limits of the 9400- I would anyway..

 

[Big Lar]

Ehh the 9400 clocks OK, see my Sig. That being said, for $50 more I'd get the 9550 for the extra 1/2 multiplier.

Larry

 

[toyota]

well the Q9550 it is then.

unfortunately for me in the time that I did the research, my case and power supply deal got screwed up. I had the Antec Earthwatts and Three Hundred case combo for $85 in my cart and when I checked out the the power supply went out of stock. now my whole budget is screwed. :|

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Maybe by then the Q9550 will go down in price :thumbsup::clock:

 

[AAjax]

Originally posted by: BTRY B 529th FA BN
Maybe by then the Q9550 will go down in price :thumbsup::clock:

They can be picked up on ebay for about 240$ after the live cashback deal. Not bad really.

 

[toyota]

well if anyone cares I got the E8500 because it was in a combo deal with the GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P board that I really liked. Quad core and ddr3 on the next build in 18 months. lol

 

[akugami]

By that time maybe the i7 (and related parts) prices will have come down to economically viable levels.

 

[toyota]

Originally posted by: akugami
By that time maybe the i7 (and related parts) prices will have come down to economically viable levels.

yep and they will be at 32nm then too. I guess I have my only little tick tock going on now. completely new comp every 18 months with 1 video card upgrade in between.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Congrats!

 

[toyota]

Originally posted by: BTRY B 529th FA BN
Congrats!

thanks but this whole experience has been nerve racking for me. its not just deciding on the parts its being able to get what you want at a good deal. newegg is constantly changing prices throughout the day and deals come and go quickly. the best thing is NEVER check prices unless you are ready to commit right then and there. hell even 30 minutes after I placed my order the motherboard went down 10 bucks and that was the only item I looked at afterwards. 10, 20 sometimes 50 bucks or more can be saved on one item or combo but its like watching the stock market when youre on newegg. lol

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

It shouldn't be. It should be an exciting experience!

 

[toyota]

Originally posted by: BTRY B 529th FA BN
It shouldn't be. It should be an exciting experience!

well my other hobby is cycling and picking out bike parts is fun. I dont have to worry about prices changing right in front of my eyes. lol

 

[Termie]

Toyota,

Funny, my other hobby is cycling too - I've built two bikes and four computers from scratch - the bikes end up being a little more expensive and a lot harder to store, so...time for another computer!

I guess we computer/cycling fans like the same avatars too...

Termie

And by the way - nice build you got there. I think that 8500 will treat you right. What VGA are you going for?

 

[toyota]

Originally posted by: Termie
Toyota,

Funny, my other hobby is cycling too - I've built two bikes and four computers from scratch - the bikes end up being a little more expensive and a lot harder to store, so...time for another computer!

I guess we computer/cycling fans like the same avatars too...

Termie

And by the way - nice build you got there. I think that 8500 will treat you right. What VGA are you going for?

wow theres another cyclist on here? lol. It seems we are always spending money on the bikes and comps doesnt it. I need to order a new cassette and chain as we speak.

I deciced to go with an MSI GTX260 since it was only $229 up front and $189 after 40 buck rebate.